When I arrived at the University of Tennessee in the summer of 1995, my options for jersey numbers were limited. At first, #27 seemed like an odd choice—it didn’t feel significant. But as I gave it more thought, the number began to stand out. It offered me a unique way to honor my mother for her unwavering hard work and dedication to me and my siblings.
My mother was born on February 7th, and choosing #27 felt like a perfect tribute to her. It gave me a deep sense of pride and gratitude to wear a number that represented her love and sacrifice. When I told her about my decision, I could feel how much it meant to her.
From that moment on, every time I put on that jersey, I knew I was representing something bigger than myself—my family’s legacy and the values my mother instilled in me.
